Theresa M. (Lapniewski) Chesla, age 84 of 223 N. West St., Shenandoah passed away Monday morning at Hazleton General Hospital.

Born in Shenandoah on October 14, 1927 she was the daughter of the late Charles and Caroline (Korslak) Lapniewski.

She was a graduate of the former J.W. Cooper High School Class of 1945.

Theresa was employed at the former General Cigar and Shen-Ann Dress Factories.

Mrs. Chesla was a member of St. Casimirs Church, Shenandoah and a former member of St. Cecelias Choir of the parish.

Preceding her in death in addition to her parents were her husband, Theodore J. Ted Chesla on April 20, 2008; three brothers, Leo, Edward and Joseph and four sisters Wanda, Veronica, Laura and Sister M. Petrine, O.S.F., the former Stella Lapniewski.

She was the last surviving member of the Lapniewski family.

Surviving are two daughters, her caregiver Barbara Ann Kesh, R.N. and her husband John of Hazleton and Frances M. Pisak and her husband David of York, SC; two granddaughters Dr. Tara N. Kesh and Krista A. Kesh both of Hazleton; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Theresa was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Her family was the world to her and will miss her immensely. Theresa was a very strong promoter of the Central Association of the Miraculous Medal, Philadelphia and recited the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy daily. In her leisure time, Theresa enjoyed bingo, putting puzzles together and doing word searches.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday morning at 10:30 AM from Walukiewicz-Oravitz Fell Funeral Home, 132 S. Jardin St., Shenandoah. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM in St. Casimirs Church, Shenandoah. Rev. Msgr. Ronald C. Bocian, Pastor will officiate. Interment will follow in St. Casimirs Cemetery, Shenandoah Heights.

Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home Wednesday morning from 8:30 AM until time of service. There will be no calling hours Tuesday evening.

Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Chapel Fund, c/o 108 W. Cherry St., Shenandoah, PA 17976.

Walukiewicz-Oravitz Fell Funeral Home, Shenandoah is in charge of the arrangements.